JP 3-0, page 154

Chapter V V-48 JP 3-0 credibility, lessen coalition support, and provide incentives for other adversaries to begin conflicts elsewhere. (1) JFCs normally strive to achieve air and maritime superiority early. Air and maritime superiority allows joint forces to conduct operations without prohibitive interference from opposing air and maritime forces. Control of the air is a critical enabler because it allows joint forces both freedom from attack and freedom to attack. Using both defensive and offensive operations, JFCs employ complementary weapon systems and sensors to achieve air and maritime superiority. (2) Land forces can be moved quickly into an area to deter the enemy from inserting forces, thereby precluding the enemy from gaining an operational advantage. The rapid deployment and employment of land forces with support of other components enable sustained operations more quickly contribute to the enemy’s defeat and help restore stability in the operational area. (3) Space superiority must be achieved early to support freedom of action. Space superiority allows the JFC access to communications, weather, navigation, timing, remote sensing, and ISR assets without prohibitive interference by the opposing force. Space control operations are conducted by joint and allied and/or coalition forces to gain and maintain space superiority. (4) Cyberspace superiority may enable freedom of action throughout the operational area. (5) Early superiority in the information environment also is vital in joint operations. It degrades the enemy’s C2 while allowing the JFC to maximize friendly C2 capabilities. Superiority in the information environment also allows the JFC to better understand the enemy’s intentions, capabilities, and actions and influence foreign attitudes and perceptions of the operation. (6) Control of the EM environment must be achieved early to support freedom of action. This control is important for superiority across the physical domains and information environment. g. C2 in Littoral Areas (1) Controlled littoral areas often offer the best positions from which to begin, sustain, and support joint operations, especially in operational areas with limited or poor infrastructure for supporting US joint operations ashore. The ability to project fires and employ forces from sea-based assets combined with their C2, ISR, and IO capabilities are formidable tools that JFCs can use to gain and maintain initiative. Maritime forces operating in littoral areas can dominate coastal areas and rapidly generate high intensity offensive power at times and in locations required by JFCs. Maritime forces’ relative freedom of action enables JFCs to position these capabilities where they can readily strike opponents. Maritime forces’ very presence, if made known, can pose a threat that the enemy cannot ignore.